Written by Rex Vogel, RVing with Rex explores North America one meaningful place at a time through destination guides, history, slow travel, and thoughtful storytelling. Drawing on years of RV travel and firsthand experience, the site helps readers move beyond simply seeing places to truly experiencing them.
Using Toutle River RV Resort as a base camp, explore the best of southwest Washington. From the small-town charm of Castle Rock and the wetlands of Seaquest State Park to the dramatic landscapes of Mount St. Helens, this guide highlights scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and RV-friendly adventures between Seattle and Portland.
If you’re cruising along Interstate 5 between Portland and Seattle, your mind might be focused on hitting the city highlights—the Seahawks game in Seattle, a ferry to the San Juan Islands, or a hike through the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. But hidden along the freeway is a true gem: the town of Castle Rock, Washington. Quaint, colorful, and full of outdoor adventures, it’s the perfect stop to slow down, reconnect with nature, and explore the iconic Mount St. Helens.
As an RVer, I’ve found that Toutle River RV Resort just a few minutes north of downtown Castle Rock is an ideal base camp. Nestled along the Cowlitz River, the park offers shaded pull-throughs, full hookups, and easy access to all the outdoor experiences the area has to offer. From here, your RV becomes a mobile home and adventure hub all at once.
Stepping off the highway into Castle Rock feels like hitting the pause button on the hustle of travel. With a population of just under 2,500, the town is a surprise: boutique shops, local eateries, and streets awash with flowers planted by the volunteer-led Bloom Team. Walking through downtown it’s easy to lose track of time soaking in the vibrant colors and small-town charm.
The town’s seven parks make it clear that outdoor life is central to the Castle Rock experience. At The Rock Community Park, the 190-foot outcropping for which the city is named towers above the picnic tables and trails while Lion’s Pride Park connects to the 1.7-mile Riverfront Trail along the Cowlitz River—a perfect stroll after a day of driving.
Seaquest State Park: A hiker and angler’s paradise
A haven for hikers, campers, and wildlife lovers
Just off the I-5 corridor lies a corner of Washington that many travelers overlook. Using Castle Rock as a convenient stopping point, you’ll find yourself within easy reach of Seaquest State Park and the unforgettable landscapes shaped by Mount St. Helens.
With miles of hiking and biking trails weaving through forests, wetlands, and volcanic landscapes this stretch of southwest Washington is a paradise for anyone who loves exploring on foot or by bike.
The Silver Lake Wetland Haven Trail gives visitors a raised boardwalk/and gravel-trail loop through wetlands, marsh, and shoreline with views of water, wildlife (birds, waterfowl), and sometimes even glimpses of Mount St. Helens in the distance. The trail begins close to the parking/visitor-center area making it easy to access without long hikes. The boardwalk + wetland loop is relatively flat and suitable even for a casual stroll making it ideal if you want a shorter walk rather than a full hike.
Silver Lake tucked inside the park offers calm waters perfect for a quiet morning paddle. As mist drifts across the surface, the only sounds are birdsong and the gentle dip of a kayak blade—an easy place to slow down and enjoy the stillness.
For RV travelers, Seaquest offers tent sites, yurts, and RV sites including full and partial hookups—making it flexible whether you’re traveling light or pulling a full rig.
The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center located within the park is an essential stop for anyone wanting to truly understand the story behind this landscape. The exhibits pull you immediately into the events leading up to the May 1980 eruption—an ordinary morning that changed the region forever. Archival photographs, time-lapse videos, and eyewitness accounts make the scale of the destruction shockingly real: an entire mountainside collapsing, forests flattened like matchsticks, and ash darkening the sky for hundreds of miles.
What’s just as compelling, though, is the story of renewal. Displays on the return of plants, wildlife, and ecosystems show how resilient nature can be, even after such a cataclysm. Standing there, watching footage of the first green shoots pushing through the ash, it becomes clear that Mount St. Helens is not just a monument to what was lost—it’s a powerful lesson in transformation and recovery.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: Adventure at scale
Where volcanic forces tell a timeless story
Castle Rock serves as the gateway to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, a sprawling 110,000-acre landscape where the raw power of nature and the slow rhythm of regrowth coexist. As you venture into the monument the scenery transforms with every mile. Young forests of alder and fir push through ash-laden soil, lava fields stretch in surreal, undulating patterns, and crater lakes—like Spirit Lake—reflect the surrounding peaks with an eerie calm. Each trail and pullout feels like stepping into a different chapter of geological history, from the blast zone where trees were flattened in 1980 to the quiet river valleys now humming with wildlife.
The monument is a playground for all levels of explorers. For casual visitors, interpretive trails, observation points, and short hikes provide stunning views without the need for intense preparation. More ambitious adventurers can attempt longer treks including the challenging summit climb above 4,800 feet where permits are required but the vistas reward every step.
Driving through the monument in an RV feels uniquely immersive. The open road winds past rivers, blast-zone plains, and regenerating forests allowing you to experience the scale and contrast of destruction and renewal. With each turn you realize that Mount St. Helens is more than a volcano—it’s a living classroom, a dramatic wilderness, and a reminder of both nature’s power and resilience.
Beyond Seaquest: A Journey into the heart of Mount St. Helen
Tracing the story of a landscape forever changed
Beyond Seaquest State Park the road climbs steadily into the heart of Mount St. Helens country. As you follow State Route 504—the Spirit Lake Highway—the landscape begins to open, revealing sweeping views of the Toutle River Valley and hints of the volcanic story that lies ahead. What starts as quiet forest near the park gradually gives way to broader vistas, young regrowth forests, and the first signs of the terrain reshaped by the 1980 eruption.
This corridor is lined with meaningful stops that help visitors understand the mountain’s past and present. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake sits just across from the park, offering a powerful introduction to the eruption’s timeline.
Farther up the highway, pullouts and viewpoints provide glimpses of elk herds, the winding river, and the vast basin carved by the blast. Places like Hoffstadt Bluffs, the Forest Learning Center, Coldwater Lake, and ultimately Johnson Ridge Observatory stitch together a narrative of devastation and rebirth. Driving this route feels like traveling through chapters of a living textbook—each mile taking you closer to the volcano’s raw and unforgettable story.
While Castle Rock offers traditional lodging like Timberland Inn & Suites and Mt. St. Helens Motel, the RV options are where many travelers find their freedom. Toutle River RV Resort, Paradise Cove Resort, and Cedar’s RV Park are all within minutes of town. Toutle River’s shaded sites, modern amenities, and riverside location make it a prime choice for basecamping while exploring both Seaquest and Mount St. Helens.
For tent campers, Seaquest State Park is a perfect choice with full amenities and year-round availability. Whether you’re seeking full-hookup comfort or a more rustic, tent-based stay, the region accommodates every style of outdoor living.
When to visit
What each season brings to the experience
The Pacific Northwest’s temperate climate makes Castle Rock and Mount St. Helens accessible year-round. Late spring and early fall offer the best combination of comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for camping but can bring occasional rain. Winter invites Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and snow-covered landscapes, offering a completely different perspective of the region’s beauty.
Exploring Castle Rock and the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is an experience that lingers long after the drive back to I-5. From the colorful streets and quiet parks of Castle Rock to the calm waters and boardwalks of Seaquest State Park and ultimately to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the volcano, the region blends accessibility with adventure in a way few places can.
“It’s one thing to read about the eruption in a book,” says long-time visitor Jill Thompson, “but standing on a trail, seeing the regrowth push through the ash, and feeling the mountain’s presence—it changes your perspective on both nature and time.”
Even from the comfort of your vehicle whether parked briefly or exploring for a day the views are unforgettable. Mark Hamilton, an RV traveler, reflects: “Mount St. Helens reminds you how powerful the earth can be—and how resilient it is, too. Every turn reveals something new, whether it’s a lava field, a crater lake, or a stand of young trees reclaiming their space.”
For anyone passing between Portland and Seattle, slowing down to visit this hidden gem provides more than a break from the highway. It’s a chance to walk trails, paddle quiet waters, gaze at volcanic peaks, and reconnect with the natural world. As you leave, the echo of birdsong, the glimmer of Silver Lake, and the volcano’s distant silhouette serve as lasting reminders that adventure is often found in the places most travelers overlook.
“Some journeys aren’t about the destination—they’re about discovering what’s waiting just beyond the exit ramp,” says Thompson. In Castle Rock and the surrounding wilderness that couldn’t be more true.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in June 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.
Take the backroads, savor the blooms, and make every stop a memory. This slow-travel guide shows RVers how to explore Skagit Valley’s tulip fields, charming towns, and scenic byways at a relaxed pace.
Every spring, the fields of Skagit Valley awaken in a breathtaking sweep of color, transforming this working farmland into one of the most rewarding slow-travel destinations in the country. During the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, acres of vibrant tulips stretch across fertile soil, framed by snow-capped peaks, winding waterways, and wide, open skies.
For RV travelers, this is not a place to rush through. It’s a region best experienced at an unhurried pace—parking for a few days, taking the scenic backroads, lingering at farm stands, and watching the light change over the fields from morning mist to golden dusk. The historic charm of nearby Mount Vernon adds a small-town anchor to the experience making Skagit Valley feel both expansive and intimate.
Here, the journey isn’t measured in miles driven but in moments noticed—the quiet hum of bees in the rows, the reflection of mountains in irrigation canals, and the simple pleasure of slowing down long enough to truly see where you are.
That sense of immersion only deepens from the road. Traveling by RV allows you to move through Skagit Valley on your own schedule stopping wherever the view calls you. Instead of racing from one lookout to the next, you can linger along quiet country lanes, wander among tulip fields at sunrise, or pull over to watch the wind ripple through rows of flowers.
Slow travel turns the journey itself into part of the experience—every turn of the wheel offers a new perspective, every roadside farmstand or small-town café becomes a chance to connect with the local rhythm, and every night spent under an open sky reinforces the feeling that you are not just passing through but truly inhabiting the landscape.
Why Skagit Valley is perfect for RVers and families
Accessible, scenic, and full of experiences for every pace
What makes Skagit Valley truly special for RV travelers is how effortlessly accessible it is. The scenic drives wind through gently rolling farmland rather than steep mountains making them easy to navigate even for larger rigs.
Roads are mostly flat, well-maintained, and dotted with ample pull-offs, farm stands, and small parks so you can stop at a moment’s notice to take in the view or snap a photo. Families, multigenerational travelers, and first-time RVers alike will find the region welcoming—a place where the pace is naturally relaxed and the landscape invites exploration without stress or hurry.
Couples love the romantic backdrops and charming towns.
Families especially appreciate the freedom to set their own rhythm. Skagit Valley is full of family-friendly attractions that complement the slow-travel experience—ice skating rinks, working farms, hands-on museums, and charming local markets.
Whether you’re chasing a little adventure, discovering the stories behind the fields, or simply enjoying a picnic among the tulips, there’s something to delight every age. The valley’s mix of active and educational stops makes it easy to fill your days with meaningful experiences while keeping the pace relaxed and unhurried.
Although the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival highlights a main tulip route, the real magic lies in venturing beyond it. Winding country roads lead to hidden pockets of color, charming farmsteads, and small communities where the tulips feel woven into everyday life.
Located along the I‑5 corridor between Seattle and Vancouver, the valley is an accessible and inviting stop for RV travelers. It also serves as a natural gateway to the North Cascades offering the perfect combination of pastoral landscapes and mountainous adventure for those ready to extend their journey.
A little planning goes a long way toward a relaxed, colorful journey
Before hitting the open road, it’s worth taking a little time to explore the valley’s celebrated gardens and prepare for your RV journey. From carefully curated public gardens to local farm plots bursting with tulips, these stops let you immerse yourself in the colors, scents, and seasonal rhythms of Skagit Valley up close.
Wander among the blooms, snap photos without the crowds, and stock up on local goods or guides to help plan your drives. Once you’re ready, the valley’s scenic byways await—and we’ll highlight five must-see routes that capture the essence of tulip season, each offering its own blend of color, countryside, and small-town charm.
For those looking for even more detail, my previous article, The Complete Guide to the 2025 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, offers an in-depth look at the gardens, festival highlights, and tips from last year. It’s a helpful resource for planning your visit and getting extra insights before you explore the fields.
Step inside the blooms and experience tulips up close
Step into the heart of Skagit Valley and explore the tulip gardens that make this region world-famous. Each garden has its own personality and style from sprawling fields of color to carefully designed floral displays offering visitors a chance to experience the season up close.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the tulip magic? The valley features four main gardens, each requiring its own ticket and promising a unique experience—whether it’s wandering through vibrant rows of tulips, enjoying interactive exhibits, or capturing that perfect photo against a backdrop of mountains and sky. These stops are a perfect introduction before you set out on the scenic drives that showcase the valley’s full splendor.
Address: 15867 Beaver Marsh Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: (360) 424-8531
RoozenGaarde is the largest of the Skagit Valley tulip gardens spanning more than 50 acres of vibrant fields alongside a 5-acre display garden. Each year, growers hand-plant over a million bulbs creating completely new layouts that showcase hundreds of tulip and daffodil varieties. The garden also includes rivers of muscari, hyacinths, and other specialty flowers offering a rich tapestry of color in every direction.
The planting and design are thoughtfully planned to highlight both scale and detail producing expansive vistas and intricate floral patterns that change each spring. Visitors can enjoy endless photo opportunities among the rows of blooms or select handpicked tulip bouquets to take a piece of the season home. The on-site gift shop offers an assortment of local and floral-themed items, adding a charming complement to the natural beauty.
Though “RoozenGaarde” translates to “Rose Garden” in Dutch, the garden is synonymous with tulips both for the Roozen family and the Skagit Valley region. Its combination of large-scale fields, diverse flower varieties, and carefully designed display areas makes it a central highlight of the tulip season. Whether you’re wandering the paths, capturing photos, or picking flowers, the garden provides a rich introduction to the valley’s springtime magic.
Address: 15245 Bradshaw Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: (360) 399-6462
Tulip Valley Farms is a family-friendly tulip destination in Skagit Valley offering walkable fields and seasonal U-Pick opportunities for both tulips and daffodils. The farm hosts activities during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in April and the La Conner Daffodil Festival in March, giving visitors a chance to experience the blooms up close. Its layout makes it easy to explore at a relaxed pace whether you’re wandering the fields or stopping for photos.
Tickets include access to interactive experiences such as Tulip Talks, a guided audio tour, and visits with the Micro Mini Highland Cows adding layers of engagement beyond the flowers themselves. These activities are designed to appeal to families, first-time visitors, and multigenerational groups, encouraging everyone to participate together. The combination of blooms and hands-on experiences makes Tulip Valleyy Farms a welcoming and immersive stop in the valley.
With its focus on accessibility and engagement, the farm balances visual beauty with opportunities to connect with the land and its community. Visitors can stroll among the vibrant rows, pick their own flowers, and enjoy the playful charm of the farm animals. It’s a destination that blends scenic exploration with interactive fun, perfect for slow travelers seeking both color and connection.
Tulip Town is a vibrant tulip destination in Skagit Valley offering six acres of farmland filled with more than 55 tulip varieties. Visitors can stroll among the blooms for photo opportunities, enjoy fresh tulip bouquets, and explore potted tulip displays. The property also includes an indoor market and gift shop providing local goods and seasonal keepsakes to complement the floral experience.
The site features food and drink options including the Skagit Landing Café and a Beer & Wine Garden creating spaces to relax and soak in the scenery. Tulip Town also offers specialty paid packages such as Date Night and Engagement experiences adding extra ways to celebrate special moments amid the flowers. Its family- and dog-friendly atmosphere makes it an accessible stop for all types of visitors, from casual wanderers to devoted tulip enthusiasts.
Founded by Dutch immigrants in 1984, Tulip Town has long been a centerpiece of the Skagit Valley tulip season. When the founding family retired in 2019, longtime local residents continued the tradition preserving the garden’s charm and community ties. Today, it remains a well-loved destination where visitors can enjoy both the beauty of the blooms and the welcoming valley spirit.
Address: 16648 Jungquist Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: (360) 202-7982
Garden Rosalyn is a carefully curated tulip destination in Skagit Valley known for its meticulous planting and thoughtful garden design. Each flower bed is hand-tended, creating patterns and color combinations that highlight the beauty of the tulips and enhance the visitor experience. The attention to detail ensures that every corner of the garden offers something visually striking whether in sweeping views or intimate floral arrangements.
A signature feature of Garden Rosalyn is its pond, home to geese and ducks that add life and movement to the serene landscape. This combination of blooms and wildlife provides a peaceful setting for leisurely strolls and photography. Visitors can enjoy both the artistry of the gardens and the simple pleasures of observing nature making it a distinctive stop in the Skagit Valley tulip season.
The garden’s charm comes from its balance of horticultural skill and inviting atmosphere. It offers a slightly different perspective from the larger display gardens focusing on immersive, personal experiences amid the tulips. Whether pausing by the pond, wandering the flower beds, or capturing the reflections of blooms on the water, Garden Rosalyn provides a quietly enchanting visit for all ages.
What to know before you begin your tulip season road trip
Plan ahead for a smooth, scenic journey
A little planning goes a long way before you set out on your Skagit Valley tulip adventure. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning as a seasoned tulip-chaser knowing what to expect can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. From ticketing and garden hours to RV-friendly parking, scenic routes, and budget-conscious stops, these tips help you make the most of your journey while keeping the focus on slow travel, family fun, and fully immersing yourself in the season’s blooms.
Take the official tulip route: The festival’s recommended tulip route guides visitors directly to the heart of Mount Vernon and its surrounding tulip farms making it an easy starting point for your road trip. Field locations change each year so it’s important to check the official Skagit Valley Tulip Festival map for the latest routes and viewing areas. This interactive map helps you plan your journey ensuring you don’t miss the best fields while keeping your drive relaxed and scenic.
Seize weekday advantages: Tulip season draws large crowds and visiting during the week can make all the difference in your experience. Traveling Monday through Thursday usually means lighter traffic, easier access to parking, and more peaceful strolls through the fields. You’ll also have a better chance to capture photos without crowds letting the vibrant rows of tulips shine in your shots.
Practice safety and respect for farmland: Skagit Valley is not just a scenic destination—it’s active, working farmland so practicing respect and caution is essential. Always follow posted signs, stay on designated paths, and pull over only in approved areas to enjoy the views safely. Never enter fields unless they are clearly marked as open to the public ensuring both your safety and the protection of the crops that make the valley so beautiful.
Pack like a pro: Spring weather in Skagit Valley can change quickly so dressing in layers is key for comfort throughout the day. Waterproof shoes will keep you dry while exploring damp fields or walking along muddy paths. Don’t forget essentials like a fully charged phone, extra snacks, and a camera to capture the ever-changing skies and vibrant tulip blooms.
Stay current on blooms and weather: Tulip bloom timing varies each year so it’s important to check the official Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Bloom Status before your visit. This helps ensure you see the fields at their peak color and plan your stops accordingly. Combine this with a check of the Mount Vernon forecast to anticipate rain, sunshine, or spring chills ensuring your day on the road stays comfortable and enjoyable.
Know the roads: While these scenic routes are popular with everyday drivers, road conditions can vary especially for RVs. It’s usually best to leave your RV at a local campground or RV park and tow a smaller vehicle (“toad”) for navigating narrow roads, busy areas, and scenic byways. Always check current conditions and choose routes that match your comfort level ensuring a safe, relaxed, and enjoyable drive through the tulip-filled landscapes.
Once you’ve taken care of the essentials, it’s time to pick a self-guided scenic drive that suits your ideal tulip road trip. Whether you’re chasing vast fields of color, exploring charming small towns, or lingering at local farms, there’s a route for every pace and interest. Now, buckle up, roll down the windows, and let the vibrant beauty of Skagit Valley unfold before you.
Self-guided Tulip Festival scenic routes
Choose your own colorful journey
These five scenic drives showcase the diverse beauty of Skagit Valley from expansive tulip fields to winding waterways and historic small towns. Each route offers its own unique blend of color, farmland, and local charm making every drive a memorable experience. You can enjoy them individually or combine multiple routes for the ultimate tulip road trip moving at your own pace and savoring the season.
The Classic Tulip Loop is a must for first-time visitors following the official festival route straight into the heart of Mount Vernon’s tulip country. Along the way, you’ll pass some of the valley’s most vibrant fields stopping at all five featured tulip festival farms. With endless photo opportunities, breathtaking blooms, and cheerful farm landscapes, this route delivers the quintessential Skagit Valley tulip experience.
Why you’ll love it: The route is flat, easy and packed with color, no guesswork needed.
Who it’s best for: This drive is perfect for first-timers and families.
Here are your must-see stops along the Classic Tulip Loop:
The tulip gardens: Capture that classic tulip photo at one (or all) of the featured tulip festival gardens all located within about 5 miles of one another.
Downtown Mount Vernon: Stroll the riverfront or grab tulip festival souvenirs at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Headquarters (311 W. Kincaid Street). Enjoy the official Tulip Festival beer at District Brewing.
Local favorite: Skagit Food Co-op is a true local gem where grocery meets gourmet. Think made-to-order sandwiches, great coffee, smoothies and a deli perfect for a quick road-trip refuel.
Before you set out, here are the key travel logistics to help you plan your journey.
Average mileage: 8–10 miles
Drive time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (plus stops, lots of them)
Navigation tip: Follow McLean Road and Best Road to find the highest number of display gardens. These roads form the backbone of the official tulip route.
The Fir Island to La Conner route winds through wide-open farmland, sloughs, and quiet country roads offering a peaceful alternative to the busier tulip routes. This scenic drive takes you past colorful fields and farms before arriving in La Conner, one of Skagit Valley’s most charming channel-side towns. The journey concludes along the Swinomish Channel where boats, boardwalks, and small-town charm provide a perfect backdrop for photos and leisurely exploration.
Why you’ll love it: This route blends tulip scenery with water views making it ideal when you want color, delight, and a little indulgence along the way.
Who it’s best for: This drive is fantastic for food lovers, travelers with a sweet tooth, and couples. It’s naturally ideal for anyone who wants to mix tulips with coastal allure and walkable exploring.
Here are your must-see stops along the Fir Island to La Conner drive:
La Conner scenic highlights: Walk across the iconic Rainbow Bridge then stroll along the Swinomish Channel for boat views, shops, and galleries.
Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar: It’s a local favorite for elevated comfort food, craft cocktails, and unbeatable waterfront views.
Calico Cupboard Café & Bakery: The bakery is home to legendary cinnamon rolls that are well worth the stop.
Snow Goose Produce: This locale is famous for giant ice cream cones and fresh local treats. It’s arguably some of the best (and biggest) ice cream in the valley.
Before you set out, here are the key travel logistics to help you plan your journey.
Average mileage: 12–15 miles
Drive time: 45–60 minutes (longer if dessert detours happen … and they will)
Navigation tip: Access this route via Exit 221 off I-5 and follow Fir Island Road. This lets you skip the heavier city traffic in downtown Mount Vernon.
After exploring the tulip fields and farms, take Highway 20 west toward Anacortes where the landscape shifts from vibrant farmland to dramatic coastal views. This route offers a mix of saltwater vistas, forested hills, and scattered islands showcasing another side of the Skagit Valley region. It feels like a natural continuation of tulip season as wide-open valley roads gradually give way to iconic Pacific Northwest scenery perfect for slow, scenic travel.
Why you’ll love it: This route delivers big scenery and memorable stops. That makes it perfect when you want to pair tulips with adventure, wildlife, and great food.
Who it’s best for: The Anacortes drive fits nature lovers, adventure seekers, and seafood fans. It’s lovely for anyone ready to level up their tulip festival trip with unforgettable Pacific Northwest scenery.
Here are your must-see stops along the Anacortes drive:
Swinomish Casino & Lodge: It’s known for its beautiful waterfront rooms but locals will tell you the real hidden gem is 13moons Restaurant. It serves outstanding seafood and Northwest-inspired dishes.
Outer Island Excursions: Turn a scenic drive into a once-in-a-lifetime experience with whale-watching tours that make dreams come true.
Deception Pass Bridge & West Beach: This is one of Washington’s most iconic viewpoints. Find jaw-dropping bridge views, a rugged shoreline, and easy beach access for stretching your legs and taking it all in.
Before you set out, here are the key travel logistics to help you plan your journey.
Average mileage: 25–30 miles (from Mount Vernon)
Drive time: 1–1.5 hours (longer if you stop, although you absolutely should)
Navigation tip: Stay on SR 20 West and follow the signs for Whidbey Island to reach Deception Pass. The bridge parking lots fill quickly so try to arrive before 11 a.m.
Following a morning among the tulip fields, head east toward Sedro-Woolley for a relaxed, slower-paced drive. This route shifts from expansive farmland to charming historic streets, scenic rivers, and the rolling foothills of the region. With its blend of old-town character, natural beauty, and unexpected touches of whimsy, it’s an ideal route for lingering, exploring, and taking in the quieter side of Skagit Valley.
Why you’ll love it: This drive feels like stepping into a storybook. That makes it ideal when you enjoy captivating towns, unique experiences, and a more relaxed pace.
Who it’s best for: The Sedro-Woolley trip fits couples, girls’ trips, and history lovers. It attracts anyone who loves old-time charm, cozy stops, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Here are your must-see stops along the Sedro-Woolley drive:
Tulip fields and gardens (morning start): Begin your day among the blooms before heading east. Early light makes both tulips and town stops extra magical.
Sedro-Woolley Northern State Hospital grounds: It’s a scenic and slightly mysterious area with forested paths and historic buildings. Step into an unexpected and memorable stop.
Willowbrook Manor English Tea: This is essential for couples and girls’ trips. The experience comes complete with tiered trays, teacups, and all the whimsy you could want.
Sedro-Woolley Museum: Step back in time and learn about the town’s logging, railroad, and frontier roots in a beautifully preserved local museum.
Before you set out, here are the key travel logistics to help you plan your journey.
Average mileage: 15–20 miles (from Mount Vernon)
Drive time: 45–60 minutes
Navigation tip: Take SR 20 East from Mount Vernon for a direct shot into the historic district. This road offers a beautiful transition from flat farmland into the forested Cascade foothills.
After leaving the tulip fields, head north along the backroads including the iconic Chuckanut Drive, one of Washington’s most scenic coastal stretches. This route passes through the quaint towns of Bow and Edison offering glimpses of local life amid rolling farmland and forested hills. The drive concludes in Bellingham with sweeping views of the bay providing a polished coastal finale to your Skagit Valley tulip road trip.
Why you’ll love it: This drive is all about scenery with a side of indulgence. It blends farm country, forested cliffs, and waterfront views into one unforgettable road trip.
Who it’s best for: The Bow-to-Bellingham drive fits couples, hikers, and food-and-wine lovers. When you want to turn your tulip trip into a full-day scenic adventure, it’s for you.
Here are your must-see stops along the Bow to Bellingham drive:
Chuckanut Drive: It’s a bucket-list-worthy scenic road with dramatic curves, water views, and endless photo opportunities.
Bow and Edison: These charming small towns are perfect for wandering, snacking, and soaking up local flavor. While passing through Edison, stretch your legs and enjoy a bite to eat at Terramar Brewstillery.
Oyster Dome If you’re up for a short hike, the payoff is one of the region’s most iconic viewpoints.
Taylor Shellfish Farms: Savor fresh oysters while taking in the stunning and peaceful oceanfront view.
Hotel Bellwether (Bellingham): End your drive in style with stunning waterfront views. Hotel Bellwether is ideal for an overnight stay or celebratory drink.
Before you set out, here are the key travel logistics to help you plan your journey.
Average mileage: 35–40 miles (from Mount Vernon)
Drive time: 1.5–2 hours (plus stops, and you’ll want them)
Navigation tip: Start your drive in Bow on State Route 11 (Chuckanut Drive). Driving from south to north keeps the Puget Sound views on your side of the road.
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a photographer’s paradise with bold colors, open landscapes, and striking backdrops in every direction. For the most flattering light, plan your scenic drives around sunrise or golden hour when the tulips glow and Mount Baker often appears perfectly framed in the northeast background.
Don’t overlook cloudy or rainy days—they can be ideal for photography providing soft, even light that makes the tulip colors pop and appear more saturated. Weekday visits also offer a big advantage: fewer crowds, clearer views, and a better chance to capture wide-open fields without people in the background. With a little planning and attention to light, every drive becomes an opportunity for stunning photos that showcase the valley at its best.
Conclusion & reflections
Wrap up and takeaways
Tulip season in Skagit Valley is more than a celebration of color—it’s an invitation to slow down. For RV travelers especially, the valley offers something rare: scenic drives that don’t demand urgency, farmland that invites lingering, and small towns that reward curiosity. Whether you follow one route or combine several, the real beauty lies in taking your time and letting the landscape unfold mile by mile.
There’s something restorative about fields of tulips stretching toward distant mountains, about morning light filtering through low clouds, about the quiet hum of rural roads. As author Rebecca Wells once wrote: “Flowers heal me. Tulips make me happy. I keep myself surrounded by them as soon as they start coming to the island from Canada and after that when they come from the fields in La Connor, not far from where I live.”
That sentiment captures the heart of tulip season. The blooms are beautiful, yes—but they also lift the spirit. And when you experience them through slow RV travel—parking, pausing, wandering, returning—you’re not just chasing flowers. You’re giving yourself space to notice, to breathe, and to carry a little of that color and calm with you long after the road turns homeward.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.
A 45th anniversary road trip to Mount St. Helens in the summer of 2025 is a unique opportunity to experience one of the most iconic volcanic landscapes in the United States, marking 45 years since the historic 1980 eruption
In 1980, a Washington mountain’s fiery blasts incinerated and flattened the landscape sending forth mudflows of ash and splintered trees and wiping out entire communities. The 45th anniversary of Mount St. Helens’ massive eruption makes this summer excursion an excellent bet, even for those who want a less-crowded summer exploration of the Northwest’s natural and human history.
Summer is also when the mountain’s three visitor centers are open daily including one that reopened with brand-new exhibits. But you’ll likely encounter few tour buses and most parking lots and walking paths are relatively empty and quiet.
That’s because the road’s last seven or so miles—terminating at the 4,200-foot elevation Johnston Ridge Observatory—are closed as a washout undergoes multiyear repairs. Many regional and international visitors misunderstand this situation as a general road closure, depressing the tourism market.
A scenic byway through the area affected by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens
Driving the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (State Route 504) offers a unique opportunity to witness the dramatic aftermath and ongoing recovery of one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in U.S. history. The highway provides access to educational centers, hiking trails, and stunning vistas, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those interested in geology.
If planning a trip, allow 1-2 hours for the drive and consider stopping at the visitor centers for a fuller understanding of the area’s natural and human history.
Address: 3029 Spirit Lake Hwy, Castle Rock, WA 98611
Phone: (360) 274-0962
Hours: Summer, 10 am-5 pm; winter, 10 am-4 pm
Fees: $5; family, $15; ages 6 and younger, free
Turn off the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (State Route 504) at milepost 5 for the newly renovated Mount St. Helens Visitor Center within Seaquest State Park to walk the 0.6-mile Wetland Haven Boardwalk Trail or enjoy the just-refreshed interior.
The center’s $1.1 million gallery renovations are devoted to the people, science, environment, and events before and after the eruption including the local Cowlitz Tribe. Look for the “breadcrust bomb” (a volcano-baked rock resembling a loaf of bread) or descend a short flight of stairs to peer into roiling, recreated magma within a volcano.
An 11-minute, placid film about the events and aftermath is appropriate for young children and four more films share the Cowlitz Indian Tribe harvesting camas and discussing lamprey and fishing. Another small display showcases cultural mementos inspired by the eruption, from 45 records to pottery.
Seaquest State Park
Address: 3030 Spirit Lake Highway, Castle Rock, WA 98611
Phone: (360) 644-5235
Hours: 8:00 am-dusk year round
Fees: $10 per vehicle per day
Seaquest is a 475-acre, year-round camping park set among lush pines in the shadow of the storied Mount St. Helen’s volcano. Seaquest Park boasts forested campgrounds, great hiking trails, and stunning mountain panoramas. Next door to the campground is Silver Lake. The park is connected to the popular Mount St. Helen’s Interpretive Center and Silver Lake by a pedestrian tunnel which leads you to a boardwalk trail over the wetland where ducks and other wildlife thrive.
The park has 52 standard campsites, 18 partial hookup sites, 15 full hookups sites, three hiker/biker sites, one dump station, and five restrooms (one ADA). Maximum site length is 50 feet (may have limited availability). The north, south, and mid-camp loops are in forest settings. Full hookup sites are available in the T-loop only.
Then, drive past manicured homes and gardens, log cabins being reclaimed by the earth and lily pad-filled ponds. If you want to round out your picnic supplies, stop at the just-reopened Drew’s Grocery store in Toutle for crackers, cheese and fruit, cold sandwiches, wraps and salads, or fried chicken and jojos. This is also your last chance to get gas on the drive.
The original 1980 blast destroyed the nearby Harry Gardner Park but the quiet campground has been restored and contains a small playground.
Harry Gardner Park is a 65 acre park along the South Toutle River. This Cowlitz County park was destroyed by the Mt. St. Helens eruption and has been recently brought back to life with similar amenities to pre-eruption.
The camping area offers 11 RV sites and 11 tent campsites. RV sites are equipped with electricity and water connections. Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit. There are two ADA accessible RV sites and two tent sites. A sewer dump station is available on site for your use.
The park also offers hiking trails, playground equipment, and easy access to the South Toutle River for fishing and swimming.
Not far from the park, Spirit Peaks Raceway offers an intriguing destination twice monthly—at the raceway’s “drifts,” visitors are welcome to set up chairs and watch drivers play on a racetrack in souped-up vehicles.
Around 19 miles up Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, a 28-foot-tall carved wooden bigfoot welcomes you to the tourist attraction stop of North Fork Survivors. Outside, you’ll also find the rusted, twisted shells of vehicles and an A-frame building sunken in the eruption. The small curiosity-gift shop displays unusual items including plaster footprints purportedly gleaned from a Sasquatch.
Looking for more on Mount St. Helens & Spirit Lake Memorial Highway?
This area represents the western edge of the Mount St. Helens blast zone
At around milepost 21, the valley floor falls away. You’ll have to use your imagination for the previous century’s devastation as forest, fields, and wildflowers have reclaimed the landscape.
Ascend the mountain’s foothills framed with Weyerhauser-planted timber stands, purple lupins, and brilliant orange Indian paintbrush. A series of stunning bridges span gaps and gorges. A wildlife viewing area sign reminds you to watch for small families of deer that may appear along roadside hills. Other animals in the area include elk herds.
Operating schedule: 10 am-4 pm daily May 17 through Sept. 28, 2025
Fee: Free
After 33 miles along State Route 504, at a 2,650-foot elevation, find the Forest Learning Center. This modern Weyerhauser-operated center offers excellent views, a modern playground (with a volcano slide), and a paved loop where you’ll still see snapped trees and upturned roots.
Inside the center, sleek exhibit galleries focus on forest sustainability, harvesting, and management along with eruption survivors’ stories. The center’s short film made up of 1980 news clips shows within a small theater strewn with recreated debris, amplified with cracking thunder and lightning.
Two more viewpoints at milepost 37 (Elk Rock Viewpoint) and milepost 40 (Castle Lake Viewpoint Observation Site) offer bird’s-eye, panoramic perspectives on scarred swaths—though little debris remains. You’ll likely want to bring binoculars for a better view. Stop at either to see the mountain’s crater and lava dome and look down into the valley strewn with massive pillars of volcanic rock and gray debris.
On State Route 504, at milepost 37, Elk Rock Viewpoint marks the western entrance to Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. View the volcano and crater and the once desolate blast zone, now green with returning vegetation. Below, see the gray, debris-avalanche deposit from the 1980 eruption which still fills the Toutle River Valley. On clear days, glimpse the snow-covered peak of Mount Adams in the distance.
Key features incude:
Views: It offers panoramic views of Mount St. Helens’ crater, the Toutle River Valley filled with the 1980 eruption’s debris-avalanche deposits, and the recovering blast zone now greening with returning vegetation. On clear days, visitors can also see the snow-capped peak of Mount Adams in the distance.
Accessibility: The viewpoint has a parking area with about 20 spaces and 3 RV sites. There are no restrooms or potable water available at the site.
Improvements: Recent upgrades include parking improvements, an information kiosk, and a natural stone wall to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the natural scenic character of the area.
Historical note: Near the viewpoint is the site of the former Elk Rock Lookout, an 80-foot fire lookout tower built in 1941 and abandoned after damage in the early 1960s. The lookout foundation ruins remain and can be accessed by a short hike east from the viewpoint parking area.
Views of Mount St. Helens, Castle Lake, and the landslide debris deposit from the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. There are benches, interpretive signs, ample parking, and a short trail available.
Castle Lake Viewpoint Observation Site is a scenic overlook located about 40 miles east of Castle Rock along State Route 504 (Spirit Lake Memorial Highway) within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It offers visitors panoramic views of Castle Lake, a sub-alpine lake formed by the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption when a massive debris avalanche dammed the South Fork of Castle Creek.
Key features include:
Views: The viewpoint provides spectacular vistas of Castle Lake, the surrounding volcanic landscape shaped by the eruption, and distant views of Mount St. Helens’ crater. The lake itself covers just over 250 acres and is surrounded by steep volcanic ridges.
Access: The site has a parking area on the right side of SR 504, making it accessible for travelers driving the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway.
Recreation: Nearby hiking trails including the Castle Lake Trail (Forest Trail 221) provide access to the lake and surrounding areas. The trail passes through areas affected by the eruption and offers opportunities to observe wildlife such as elk and waterfowl.
Ecological importance: Castle Lake is a barrier lake created by volcanic debris, with a constructed spillway to prevent sudden flooding. It has a self-sustaining trout population and is an important site for studying volcanic recovery
Parking: There is a large parking lot with RV parking spots available
The Science and Learning Center at Coldwater is a hands-on education facility operated by the Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI) in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, located at milepost 43 on State Highway 504, approximately 7 miles from the crater of Mount St. Helens and 10 miles west of Johnston Ridge Observatory. Situated in the heart of the 1980 eruption blast zone, it offers stunning views of Mount St. Helens, Coldwater Lake, and the Toutle Valley, making it a prime location for immersive learning about volcanic processes, ecological recovery, and the natural history of the area.
Outdoors, an interpretive trail’s benches invite you to rest and enjoy disparate panoramas of bright buttercups, vivid grasses, once-massive tree stumps and views toward the mountain and valley floor.
A 0.25-mile ADA-accessible Winds of Change Trail and the Elk Bench Trail connect to Coldwater Lake, Coldwater Peak, and Johnston Ridge, offering opportunities to explore the volcanic landscape.
The MSHI’s 2021 master plan aims to expand the center by 2030, increasing overnight program capacity from 500 to 5,000 students annually, adding a public campground with 40 RV/tent sites, improving trails, and remodeling the facility for sustainability and modern educational needs.
At milepost 45, Coldwater Lake Recreation Area, you can go boating, swimming or fly-fishing in Coldwater Lake. Or simply hike the accessible half-mile Birth of the Lake Interpretive Trail’s impressive boardwalk to learn more about this new lake, formed by the volcano.
The trail is approximately 0.5 miles round trip and has no elevation change making it an ideal destination for families and individuals looking for a leisurely walk. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment with opportunities to observe wildlife and take in the scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains
As an alternative, the 2.4-mile Hummocks Trail only gains 100 feet in elevation and can provide a closer glimpse of the mountain while the road is closed.
Interpretive signs describe features along the first quarter mile of trail as the loop meanders through these hummocks which have been mapped by scientist to their respective spots on St. Helens’ former summit. You may even spot resident wildlife as the area is habitat for elk, waterfowl, and frogs and newts. Keep an eye out for these little critters but remember the area is still recovering from the eruption, so please stay on the trail and respect the habitat here.
This is the furthest you can travel up, for now—turn around to descend the mountain.
Please note: State Route 504 is gated at mile marker 45.2—just passed the Coldwater Lake area and Hummocks trail parking lot due to the May 2023 landslide. Johnston Ridge Observatory and Loowit viewpoint remain closed. For more information on the landslide: South Coldwater Landslide Information.
You also need a Washington Discover Pass or day pass to explore Seaquest State Park beyond the visitor center.
Worth Pondering…
Each volcano is an independent machine—nay, each vent and monticule is for the time being engaged in its own peculiar business, cooking as it were its special dish, which in due time is to be separately served.
—Clarence Edward Dutton, American geologist (1841-1912)
The deadliest volcano in the continental US is one of the easiest to climb in the Cascades
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Mount St. Helens is the most likely volcano in the the Pacific Ring of Fire to erupt again soon. It’s also considered the deadliest volcano in the continental US as its massive eruption in 1980 was indeed the most deadly and most economically destructive volcanic event in the United States.
It is likely that the types, frequencies, and magnitudes of past activity will be repeated in the future. However, neither a large debris avalanche nor a major lateral blast like those of May 18, 1980 is likely now that a deep crater has formed.
All major hiking enthusiasts have a list of peaks they dream of climbing. One such peak in the US is Mount St. Helens which is an excellent option for those wanting to add a bit of adrenaline to their road trip. Why? It’s not only a mountain but an active volcano, too.
Forty-five years ago today, Mount St. Helens erupted, triggering a magnitude 5 earthquake and spewing ash, mud, and debris across southwest Washington.
The explosion killed 57 people and changed the mountain’s landscape forever.
The eruption wasn’t a total surprise—months before, a series of small earthquakes and steam-venting alerted scientists that a major blast was on the way.
Decades later, advancing technology is making volcanic monitoring easier and more accurate. But there’s still a long way to go before exact volcano predictions can be made weeks or months in advance. It’s an important issue to consider in a state that is home to volcanoes considered to be some of the nation’s most dangerous.
That said, some climbers say it’s a relatively easy climb for a mountain since it requires no technical knowledge but good fitness, health, and previous experience are a must.
How likely is Mount St. Helens to erupt in the near future?
The USGS claims we are likely to see another eruption in our lifetime
Recently, experts discovered that some volcanoes in the Cascade Range aren’t actually dormant as once presumed. Mount St. Helens is very much awake and alive and most US citizens around at the time still remember the deadly eruption that took place on May 18, 1980 in which 57 people lost their lives.
This massive explosion devastated 230 sq mi of land and started an active period for the volcano which continued to erupt for the following six years.
Like Kīlauea’s Summit which violently erupted in February 2025, Mount St. Helens is quite unpredictable and often alternates periods of activity with periods of inactivity. After being dormant for several years, it erupted again in 2004 with minor flare-ups until 2008.
According to experts, the volcano is now preparing to erupt again but we do not know when this will happen. This could be in a few years or decades from now. According to the USGS,
Mount St. Helens is the volcano in the Cascades most likely to erupt again in our lifetimes. It is likely that the types, frequencies, and magnitudes of past activity will be repeated in the future.
On the positive side, the USGS specifies that a deep crater has formed so neither a lateral blast nor a massive debris avalanche like those of 1980 will likely happen again. Moreover, despite the dangers, Mount St. Helens continues to be popular among climbing enthusiasts with some even describing it as fairly doable so long as you’re in good fitness.
Mount St. Helens’ peak has an elevation of 8,363 feet and is popular among climbers
It’s about 52 miles northeast of Portland and is relatively young compared to other nearby peaks
Mount St. Helens is located about 52 miles northeast of Portland and 98 miles south of Seattle. However, the closest town to the peak is Cougar, in Washington. This volcano has an elevation of 8,363 feet.
Compared to other peaks in the region, this mountain is relatively young and was formed within the past 40,000 years. It is considered the most active volcano in the Cascades yet it remains a favorite among mountaineers. This is because, from its peak, you can see Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Adams, offering a sight you’ll never forget.
Most popular route to the top: Monitor Ridge Route
However, despite some claiming it to be relatively easy, the climb is still not advised for those without experience or poor fitness. When Candance Dempsey ascended Mount St. Helens with her sister, Sherry, she described the experience, saying: “It was like scaling the spikes of a Stegosaurus.”
Everything you should know before climbing Mount St. Helens
The route has an elevation gain of 4,500 feet and you will need a permit
While Mount St. Helens is considered one of the easiest climbs in the Cascades, it’s still a pretty tough hike and only fit people with hiking experience should consider this unique journey.
The best time of year to reach the top is between late spring and early fall and the Monitor Ridge Route starting from the Climbers Bivouac is the most popular hiking trail to the summit. This route has an elevation of 4,500 feet and a length of five miles. Most people manage to reach the peak and descend within seven to twelve hours.
The climb is doable if you are relatively fit as it requires no technical knowledge. However, there are a few rules you should keep in mind for your safety.
While climbing to the rim is allowed, hikers cannot enter the crater. This is because it can be extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, a Japanese climber lost his life in the early 2010s getting too close to the rim while trying to take the perfect picture. He was found only nine months after his fall.
The cornice can also be incredibly dangerous especially in the winter. This term refers to the overhanging edge of snow on the ridge of a mountain. Because of this, it’s important to stay at least 30 feet from the visible edge.
Tip: Before climbing, check Mount St. Helens’ current conditions on the official website. Also, a climbing permit is required to climb Mount Saint Helens.
Climbing an active volcano has associated risks. These include but are not limited to volcanic activity, weather hazards, avalanches, terrain traps, equipment failure, and human error. Before heading into the backcountry for any reason or any length of time, make sure to take the precautions necessary to ensure a safe return.
Obtain a climbing permit for your entire group. Make sure each member has a copy, printed or digital.
Train appropriately. This will look different for each person but do several hikes in the weeks ahead to prepare you for the 10-12 mile, 4,500-5,500 foot climb.
Leave your itinerary, driving route, and estimated return time with someone you trust. Make sure they know what to do in case of an emergency.
Check the conditions. Never attempt to climb a mountain in hazardous conditions, i.e. thunderclouds, lightening storms, avalanche danger, etc. Remember that conditions can change on the mountain rapidly and sometimes unpredictably.
Pack equipment that matches the conditions. This may include avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, ice axe, snowshoes, and/or crampons. Know how to utilize and safely carry this equipment before you head into the backcountry.
Sign in to the register at the trailhead before you start your climb.
Be prepared in case of an emergency. There is limited to no cell phone service on the roads leading to the climbing route or on the climbing route itself. Do not rely on your phone and carry an alternative for emergency communication. Have enough supplies to last at least one night on the mountain.
Notify your emergency person once you are off the mountain.
Experts have no idea when Mount St. Helens will wake up and end its current dormant state. So, if you’re eager to reach the summit of this stunning volcano, try to do so before the next eruption occurs and ensure you follow all the rules to stay safe along the way.
Worth Pondering…
Each volcano is an independent machine—nay, each vent and monticule is for the time being engaged in its own peculiar business, cooking as it were its special dish, which in due time is to be separately served.
—Clarence Edward Dutton, American geologist (1841-1912)
Here are some underrated Utah towns near Zion National Park that you might consider visiting instead of Springdale
Founded by Mormon Pioneers in 1862, the town of Springdale is the most recognized gateway to Zion National Park for a scenic Utah vacation. Nestled right at the park’s entrance, the town is small only housing 454 residents but offers some of the most unforgettable Zion National Park adventures. Plus, it’s known for its wonderful lodging and dining options.
Making Springdale your base camp gives you the convenience you need for a quintessential national park experience—you’ll save time which you can invest in exploring the beauty of the park. Don’t forget the fact it places you within a short distance of other incredible travel experiences in Utah including some of the best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park which is a quick day trip away.
However, Springdale isn’t the only gateway to one of the most visited national parks in the US. Lesser-known small towns like Kanab guarantee beautiful Zion National Park adventures as well and there are plenty of them. Like Springdale, these overlooked gems come with their own travel experiences that make them unique travel destinations. Skip Springdale for these underrated towns in Utah near Zion National Park instead.
Situated about six miles northeast of St. George, Washington is an incredibly charming community with a unique blend of a rich history, breathtaking scenery, and outdoor recreation.
It boasts a vibrant arts community with a variety of experiences like the All About Art, a two-day festival that celebrates local art and includes live music and culinary experiences. You can enjoy a range of outdoor recreational opportunities from hot air balloon rides to ATVing.
Scenic attractions: Staheli Family Farm, Shinob Kibe, and Sienna Hills Park
Must-do hikes: Elephant Arch Trail, Dino Cliffs Trail, and Church Rocks and Grapevine Trail
Located in western Washington County on the edge of the Dixie National Forest, Veyo is among the most underrated small towns near Zion. Although it’s a very small town with just over 350 permanent residents, it’s definitely big on outdoor fun.
The town gives access to everything from scenic drives to caves, canyons, red rocks, and sand dunes. It’s a great destination especially for families who can have lots of opportunities for fun from enjoying the delicious pies at Veyo Pies to catching crawdads, swimming, and hiking at the Veyo Poll and Crawdad Canyon, the most popular attraction in town.
Veyo Pies is the ideal spot to indulge in some sweet treats and take in the quaint ambiance of this little Utah town because of its delectable pies, welcoming service, and stunning setting.
Scenic attractions: Veyo Pool & Crawdad Canyon, and Veyo Roller Rink
Must-do hikes: White Hollow Trail
Population: 381
Tip: One must-have Veyo experience if you love cycling is the Veyo Loop which offers stunning views from nearly every corner.
3. Kanab
30.1 miles to Zion National Park
Nestled just north of the Arizona state line on Kanab Creek, Kanab is a scenic Utah town perfect for a Zion trip as its only 30 miles away taking just over 30 minutes to get to the park. Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon’s North Rim are all under one and a half hours away.
Besides, it hosts beautiful natural spaces of its own including Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park which has striking scenery comprising pink sand and stunning red rock formations. Kanab also has a long history first settled in 1864 and a visit to the Kanab Heritage House Museum will give you an insight into the rich history.
Scenic attractions: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, and Cottonwood Canyon Road
Must-do hikes: The Wave Trail, Toodstool Hoodoos Trail, and Sand Caves
Population: 4,817
RV parks: Grand Plateau RV Resort, Dark Sky RV Park
Founded in 1896, Hurricane is a gorgeous town that got its unique name from a whirlwind that blew off the top of a buggy of a group of local settlers which the Mormon leader, Erastus Snow, was riding. Erastus Snow then said, “Well, that was a Hurricane. We’ll name this place “Hurricane Hill.”
Other than its proximity to Zion National Park, Hurricane is also within easy driving distance of many other beautiful attractions including Sand Hollow State Park and Snow Canyon State Park. Hurricane’s proximity to Zion and other parks and monuments in Southern Utah as well as its quieter atmosphere makes it worth skipping Springdale for.
Also known as “Festival City, USA” thanks to the fun festivals and events including parades and bike races that occur throughout the year, Cedar City offers plenty of things to do no matter the season.
Whether interested in biking, hiking, camping, stargazing, or skiing in the winter there is never a shortage of fun adventures in this hidden gem near Zion National Park. Besides, you are also within driving distance of other world-class attractions like Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Must-do hikes: Spring Creek Canyon, Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail, and Ashdown Gorge Trail
Population: 35,812
6. Orderville
17.5 miles to Zion National Park
Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the US but if you want to enjoy a quieter side of it head to East Zion which also gives access to other iconic destinations guaranteeing unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts. When you are on this side of this park, Orderville is a perfect basecamp.
It’s located right between Zion and Bryce Canyon making it a remarkable gem for outdoor lovers. It is home to many beautiful wonders including Red Hollow Slot Canyon, Upper Red Cave Slot Canyon, and Cable Mountain.
Scenic attractions: Red Hollow Slot Canyon, Upper Red Cave Slot Canyon, and White Mountain Trading Post
Must-do hikes: The Belly of the Dragon, the Narrows, and Red Hollow Trail
Nestled at the junction of U.S. Route 89 and State Route 9, Mount Carmel Junction is one of the most scenic places you can visit in Utah. Its scenery alone makes it worth visiting but it comes with more adventures that will be worth your time as well.
It’s a destination for outdoor lovers with plenty of hiking as well as off-roading adventures. Plus, it is not only near Zion but also within driving distance of Bryce Canyon, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Scenic attractions: Maynard Dixon Legacy Museum, the Farm at Mount Carmel, and Thunderbird Golf Course
Must-do hikes: The Sand Hills Trail, Separation Canyon Trail, and Hidden Arch Trail
Population: There is no population information for this community
Located in Utah’s southwestern corner, Rockville is one of the most underrated towns near Zion National Park that many people skip in favor of Springdale.
The town has a lot to offer including a rich history that dates back to 1862 when it was founded by Mormon Pioneers and despite going through numerous changes has managed to maintain its charm.
Historians refer to it as “the last treasure in Utah” and it has many amazing historical attractions you can explore including Grafton Ghost Town, the most photographed ghost town in the West. It’s also known for exceptional outdoor adventures that treat you to some of the most scenic red rock vistas.
Scenic attractions: Rockville Bridge, Grafton Cemetery, and Grafton Ghost Town
Must-do hikes: Wire Mesa, Eagle Crags Trail, and Coalpits Wash
As we crossed the Colorado-Utah border I saw God in the sky in the form of huge gold sunburning clouds above the desert that seemed to point a finger at me and say, “Pass here and go on, you’re on the road to heaven.”
Utah is home to five national parks—Zion, Canyonlands, Arches, Capital Reef, and Bryce Canyon—which are collectively known as The Mighty Five. Utah is one of the best states to visit for unforgettable national park adventures. Road-tripping through Utah’s national parks allows travelers to immerse themselves in the state’s raw beauty with incredible experiences at every turn from colorful rock formations to fiery sunsets and breathtaking views of the Milky Way.
However, spending time in the nearby towns will help you make the most of your travel. These communities are more than basecamps for exploring Utah’s natural wonders; they have unique experiences from rich history to arts and cultural offerings.
Here are several beautiful towns in Utah with easy national park access.
Nestled at the junction of State Routes 24 and 95, Hanksville is one of the small towns with the best hikes in Utah thanks to its proximity to Capitol Reef National Park and other parks including Canyonlands National Park and Goblin Valley State Park.
You can also enjoy other outdoor activities from biking and climbing to canyoneering. Moreover, Hanksville has the best “Grand Canyon” you’ve never heard of: Moonscape Overlook, a dramatic observation point whose views although not as expansive and colorful give Grand Canyon vibes.
While this town was only incorporated in 1999, it has a rich history that dates back to 1882.
Driving time to the Capitol Reef National Park: 31 minutes
Top attractions: Hollow Mountain, Leprechaun Canyon, Burpee Dinosaur Quarry
Scenic hikes: Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon Loop, Valley of the Goblins, and Wildhorse Window
Hurricane is one of the most underrated Utah towns near Zion National Park that’s worth visiting instead of the popular town of Springdale because it’s not as crowded. The town also gives access to other outdoor spaces like Snow Canyon State Park and Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
Dating back to 1896, the town’s unique name was derived from a whirlwind that blew off the top of a buggy carrying the local settlers including the Mormon leader Erastus Snow who later named the place “Hurricane Hill.”
You can learn about the area’s history at the Hurricane Valley Pioneer Museum. Meanwhile, golfing enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Sky Mountain Golf Course which comes with stunning views of the surrounding red rocks.
One of the nearest attractions to Hurricane is Sand Hollow, Utah’s own red sand beach. It’s the most visited state park in Utah attracting over one million people annually.
Driving time to the Zion National Park: 24 minutes
The nearest town to Arches (5.2 miles) and Canyonlands National Parks (30.2 miles)
According to a recent list by Booking.com, only one US city is among the most welcoming destinations and that’s Moab. Famous for its dramatic scenery, this Southeastern Utah town is only five miles south of Arches National Park‘s entrance and just 30 miles from Canyonlands National Park giving visitors access to plenty of outdoor activities from hiking to scenic driving.
It’s a famous off-roading spot and hosts the annual Moab Jeep Safari, a nine-day off-roading event that involves four-wheelers coming together to challenge the area’s dramatic terrain. Downtown Moab offers a range of shopping from clothing to art and jewelry as well as a diverse culinary scene.
Driving time to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks: 9 minutes to Arches and 34 minutes to Canyonlands
Top attractions: Dead Horse Point State Park, Potash Scenic Byway, and La Sal Mountain Loop
Scenic hikes: Delicate Arch Trail, Grand View Point Trail, and Double Arch Trail
RV parks: Portal RV Resort, Moab Valley RV Resort, Sun Outdoors Arches Getaway
Nestled along the Utah Scenic Byway 12, Tropic is one of the most beautiful towns in Utah.
While Bryce Canyon is its nearest natural wonder, Tropic’s central location places travelers within close proximity to plenty of other scenic attractions from Kodachrome Basin State Park known for its multicolored rock formations to Bull Valley Gorge, one of the most scenic slot canyon hikes in the region. Get an insight into the local history at the Tropic Museum and Heritage Center.
Driving time to Bryce Canyon National Park: 14 minutes
Top attractions: Stage Stop Station, Scenic Byway 12, and Tropic Museum and Heritage
Scenic hikes: Bryce Canyon Rim Trail, Mossy Cave Turret Arch, and Little Windows Trail
The nearest town to Capitol Reef National Park (4.6 miles)
Torrey, one of the best small towns in Utah for a weekend retreat is a hidden gem with a rich history founded by the Mormon settlers in the 1880s. It was initially called Youngtown but was renamed for Jay L. Torrey after acquiring a post office. Its proximity to Capitol Reef National Park makes it one of the most beautiful towns in Utah with easy national park access.
Only 4.6 miles away from the park’s entrance staying in Torrey means access to Capitol Reef’s hidden treasures from cliffs and domes to canyons and bridges. The town also gives easy access to the Fishlake and Dixie National Forests as well as Utah’s All-American Road, Scenic Byway 12. Beyond its outdoor opportunities and rich history, Torrey offers fantastic art and dining experiences.
Driving time to the Capitol Reef National Park: 6 minutes
Top attractions: Scenic Byway 12, Scenic Byway 24, and Gallery 24
Scenic hikes: Hickman Bridge Trail, Cassidy Arch Trail, and Rim Overlook Trail
RV parks: Capitol Reef RV Park & Glamping, Thousand Lakes RV Park, Wonderland RV Park
The nearest town to Bryce Canyon National Park (1.3 miles)
The gateway to the awe-inspiring Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon City is one of the most gorgeous desert towns in Utah. This town gives access to some of the most dramatic rock formations in Utah making it a great outdoor base camp for hikers, climbers, stargazers, and photographers.
A must-visit spot while in town is Ruby’s Inn known for excellent lodging options, from hotel rooms to RV park and campground accommodations. It’s also a destination on its own offering a range of tours, including horseback riding and helicopter tours.
Driving time to Bryce Canyon National Park: 2 minutes
Top attractions: Ruby’s Inn, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
The nearest town to Zion National Park (1.1 miles)
One of the best national park towns to visit in 2025, Springdale is known for being the gateway to Utah’s first and most visited national park, Zion. Nestled along the scenic Virgin River, staying here puts everything Zion has to offer right at your doorstep and you won’t even need a car to drive to the park.
The town’s scenery is incredibly stunning with views in every direction. It comes with an excellent selection of lodging and dining opportunities as well as undeniable artsy vibes with David J. West Gallery being a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Driving time to Zion National Park: 3 minutes
Top attractions: Zion Canyon Visitor Center, David. J West Gallery, and Worthington Gallery
Scenic hikes: Angels Landing Trail, Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail, and the Watchman
Situated about six miles northeast of St. George, Washington is an incredibly charming community with a unique blend of a rich history, breathtaking scenery, and outdoor recreation.
It boasts a vibrant arts community with a variety of experiences, like the “All About Art”, a two-day festival that celebrates local art and includes live music and culinary experiences. You can enjoy a range of outdoor recreational opportunities from hot air balloon rides to ATVing.
As we crossed the Colorado-Utah border I saw God in the sky in the form of huge gold sunburning clouds above the desert that seemed to point a finger at me and say, “Pass here and go on, you’re on the road to heaven.
After the eruption, ash poured into the atmosphere for nine hours
Washington’s Mount St. Helens erupted for nine hours on this day in history, May 18, 1980, killing 57 people and triggering the largest landslide in recorded history.
Prior to the eruption, Mount St. Helens stood at 9,677 feet, says the website for the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It was the fifth-tallest mountain in the state of Washington.
“It stood out handsomely, however, from surrounding hills because it rose thousands of feet above them and had a perennial cover of ice and snow,” said the site.
That changed on May 18 when the volcano erupted for the first time in more than a century. Instead, there was a horseshoe-shaped crater in its place. The crater’s highest point located on the southwestern side of the mountain is 8,365 feet. The eruption came almost exactly two months after seismic activity began on the long-dormant volcano.
On March 16, 1980, a series of small earthquakes began to shake the area. Eleven days later, on March 27 following hundreds of small earthquakes, Mount St. Helens had a relatively small eruption—it’s first since 1857.
In that eruption, steam explosions blasted a 200- to 250-foot wide crater through the volcano’s summit ice cap and covered the snow-clad southeast sector with dark ash.
These eruptions continued through April 22.
After about a two-week stop in volcanic activity, smaller eruptions and earthquakes continued from May 7 through May 17.
By that time, more than 10,000 earthquakes had shaken the volcano and the north flank had grown outward about 450 feet to form a prominent bulge.
This bulge was strong evidence that molten rock (magma) had rose high into the volcano and was growing at a rate of up to five feet per day.
At 8:32 a.m. on May 18, a 5.1 earthquake with no immediate precursors struck Mount Saint Helens triggering a rapid series of events.
At the same time as the earthquake, the volcano’s northern bulge and summit slid away as a huge landslide—the largest debris avalanche on Earth in recorded history.
A small, dark, ash-rich eruption plume rose directly from the base of the debris avalanche scarp and another from the summit crater rose to about 650 feet high.
The volume of the avalanche was the equivalent of one million Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Following the landslide, the destruction continued.
The landslide had removed part of the cryptodome which was a very hot and highly pressurized body of magma. With the cyptodome removed, Mount St. Helens’s magmatic system depressurized, triggering powerful eruptions that blasted laterally through the sliding debris knocking 1,000 feet off the height of the mountain.
The cloud of tephra or rock fragments reached 15 miles within 15 minutes.
The aftermath of the initial eruption was devastating.
Virtually no trees remained of what was once a dense forest in the six-mile radius of the former summit and other trees were knocked to the ground and seared.
The eruption then became a Plinian eruption defined as as one that produces a sustained convecting plume of pyroclasts and gas rising more than 15 miles above sea level.
The Plinian eruption lasted for nine hours sending 520 million tons of ash into the air.
The ash was so thick that the city of Spokane, Washington, located 250 miles from Mount Saint Helens was plunged into complete darkness. Over four inches of ash covered Yakima, Washington.
Major ash falls occurred as far away as central Montana and ash fell visibly as far eastward as the Great Plains of the Central United States more than 930 miles away.
The ash cloud spread across the U.S. in three days and circled the Earth in 15 days.
The blast also triggered something called a lahar which is an Indonesian term that describes a hot or cold mixture of water and rock fragments that flows down the slopes of a volcano and typically enters a river valley.
In Mount Saint Helens’ case, the snowy peak melted in the initial eruption. That rush of water combined with the rock flow created a lahar.
In the weeks leading up to May 18, people who lived near Mount St. Helens were evacuated.
The area immediately surrounding Mount St. Helens was divided into a red zone and a blue zone.
Of the 57 people who died in the eruption, only one Harry Randall Truman did not have express permission to be near the mountain the day it erupted and most of the deaths actually occurred outside the boundaries of the blue zone.
Truman, an 83-year-old man who had lived near Mount St. Helens for 54 years refused to comply with evacuation orders and leave the red zone.
In a colorful interview with National Geographic prior to the eruption, Truman said, “I’m going to stay right here because, I’ll tell you why, my home and my (expletive) life’s here.”
“My wife and I, we both vowed years and years ago that we’d never leave Spirit Lake. We loved it. It’s part of me and I’m part of that (expletive) mountain,” he said.
Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980 at 8:32 am
The volcano, located in southwestern Washington used to be a beautiful symmetrical cone about 9,600 feet above sea level.
Vancouver! Vancouver! This is it!
On March 1, 1980, a new system of seismographs at the University of Washington went into operation to monitor earthquake activity in the Cascades. On March 20, it recorded a magnitude-4.2 earthquake deep beneath Mount St. Helens inaugurating a round-the-clock watch that was to save many lives. From March 25 to March 27, quakes of magnitude 4.0 rocked the mountain as many as three times a day and smaller quakes occurred several times every hour.
At 8 a.m. PST on March 27, the U.S. Geological Survey issued an official Hazard Watch for Mount St. Helens; around noon, the first eruption of steam from the summit sent a column of ash and steam 6,000 feet into the air. Twin fissures opened on the mountain’s north face.
On the morning of May 18, USGS volcanologist David A. Johnston camped on the ridge with his lasers, radioed in his regular 7 a.m. report. The changes to the bulging mountain were consistent with what had been reported several times daily since the watch began. At 8:32, a magnitude-5.1 earthquake registered on the seismographic equipment. His excited radio message, “This is it!” was followed by a stream of data. It was his last transmission; the ridge he camped on was within the direct blast zone.
Each volcano is an independent machine—nay, each vent and monticule is for the time being engaged in its own peculiar business, cooking as it were its special dish, which in due time is to be separately served.
—Clarence Edward Dutton, American geologist (1841-1912)
NPS has announced its free entrance days for 2024 so here are the states with the highest number of national parks and the highest concentration of national park sites
The National Park Service (NPS) sites which include national parks, national monuments, national recreation areas, national seashores, national historic sites, and other protected areas are incredible public spaces to enjoy and learn about nature. Some national park sites charge entrance fees but NPS has announced six fee-free entrance days in 2024:
January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr
April 20: First day of National Park Week
June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
August 4: Great American Outdoors Act anniversary
September 28: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
A great way to take full advantage of these free entrance days is to visit multiple national park sites in one day. While that may be difficult or even impossible in many areas there are several states with a high concentration of national park sites.
10 best states for national park sites
The following states are great places to travel to visit national parks at any time of the year whether or not you make it for the free entrance days.
1. Alaska
The Last Frontier has eight national parks and a total of 23 NPS sites including national monuments and other federally preserved areas. While Alaska is the largest state, three of the national parks are fairly close together—you can visit Kenai Fjords, Katmai, and Lake Clark National Parks within one day.
The Golden State has nine national parks, the most of any state. The most popular national park in California is Yosemite but even the park with the smallest number of annual visitors, Pinnacles, is incredible and worth a visit. With a total of 28 national park sites, there is no shortage of beautiful locations to visit.
Here are a few great articles to help you do just that:
The Beehive State has five national parks (The Big Five) and they are much closer together than those found in Alaska and California—in fact, it takes about seven hours to drive from Zion to Canyonlands and stop at the three other national parks in between. However, it’s worth it to slow down and spend more time at each park so consider sticking to one park each day.
Arizona and Colorado, the next state on the list, both have four national parks. However, Arizona has a higher total of NPS sites at 22 making it a great place to take a national parks road trip. Grand Canyon National Park is the best known in Arizona but Saguaro National Park and the lesser known Petrified Forest National Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area also offers incredible vistas and outdoor opportunities.
Here are a few great articles to help you do just that:
With four national parks and a total of 13 NPS sites, Colorado is another great option for national park enthusiasts. Mesa Verde National Park is remarkable because apart from its national park status it is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it preserves the rich cultural history of many indigenous tribes.
The Hawaiian Islands have two national parks and a total of eight national park sites which is especially impressive when you remember that’s within an area of 10,392 square miles per the United States Census Bureau. One of the parks, Haleakalā, is located on the island of Maui which was recently devastated by fires so make sure to avoid the areas closed to tourism.
The crown of the Pacific Northwest is home to three national parks and a total of 15 NPS sites. Mount Rainier is perhaps the best known of the three but North Cascades and Olympic both protect a huge array of diverse wildlife. Washington is also home to a former plutonium factory that makes up one-third of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
This state is home to three national parks including Dry Tortugas which can only be reached via plane, ferry, or boat. The other two, Biscayne and Everglades are within about an hour’s distance of each other meaning you can visit both in one day.
Although Virginia only has one national park, it is home to a total of 22 NPS sites. Given its area of 42,775 square miles that means there is a fairly high concentration of NPS sites within the state making it an excellent area to explore for national park lovers.
Set in the Southwest, New Mexico boasts many breathtaking landscapes that are often overlooked by visitors. Besides all its desolate yet dramatic desert scenery, the state is home to the rearing Rocky Mountains, the roaring Rio Grande, and plenty of colorful canyons, cliffs, and caves. New Mexico has two national parks (Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands), three national historical parks (Chaco Culture, Pecos, Manhattan Project), one national heritage area (Northern Rio Grande)m, and 11 national monuments including four administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Tennessee is home to part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park which welcomes the most annual visitors of any national park site in the United States. It also has a total of 13 NPS sites meaning there are a plethora of exploration opportunities.
By the way, I have a series of posts on the Great Smokies:
Summer is the perfect time to hit the open road: School’s out, the weather’s warm, and the possibilities are endless
Don’t you just love when you are driving and see those welcome signs into states? There’s nothing like a summer road trip to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Summer is the best time to hit the road and check some places off that bucket list. It’s your chance to feel that summer breeze, listen to good music, play fun road trip games, and watch road trip films. Sightsee across some of your favorite states both near and far!
In their Summer Travel Survey 2022, The Vacationer determined that 42 percent plan to travel more than last summer with nearly 51 percent flying on a plane and 80 percent on road trips.
Deciding to take a trip is the easy part, though. Picking a destination and affording everything you want to pack into your itinerary is harder. Fuel prices might be one thing to worry about, for example. They’ve been increasing this year with the national gas average hovering around $5 per gallon now ($5.80 for diesel). On top of that, you’ll need to consider accommodations, activities, and dining. All of these certainly contribute to the more than $751 billion we spend on leisure travel each year.
Wallet Hub curated a list of the best and worst states to take a summer road trip this year. Of course, Texas made the list. I’m not surprised! Wallet Hub compared all 50 states and key factors to determine the most fun, scenic, and affordable states to visit on a road trip. After the pandemic and current inflation, road trips are still the best way to still experience an enjoyable vacation with your favorite people. So load up the RV and hit the road! It’s time to see what states fall into the top 15 best states for a summer road trip.
To determine the best road-trip destinations for travel this summer, WalletHub compared the 50 states across three key dimensions: Costs, Safety, and Activities.
They evaluated those dimensions using 32 relevant metrics. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for summer road trips.
The financial website then determined each state’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order their sample.
Taking the average gas prices metric, for example, Georgia came in with the lowest average prices followed by Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi. At the high end, California and Nevada came in with the highest prices followed by Washington and Oregon.
When the points were tallied, New York came in No. 1 with a score of 58.01 and Minnesota followed with 57.56.
Not only is there the city to enjoy but many places outside the Big Apple. Visit Niagara Falls, mountain views, The Catskills, historical spots, and more!
2. Minnesota
Hit the road to Minnesota. I know, maybe you did not know it would be No. 2! Take a scenic drive and view beautiful byways, waterfalls, and more.
Texas is absolutely it! One of my favorite to explore in an RV! Head to Texas and you could spend days driving through the entire state all you want. Stop in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and more. From the beach, to the cities, to the country side you will never run out of things to do and places to eat.
You read that right! NC is in the No. 7 spot for best summer road trips. If you’ve toured the Tar Heel State, I am sure you know why. Drive through the mountains, on the beach, through the cities, eat good, hike, shop, relax, this state has it all!
Hit the road and head to Florida. You might want to drive through the entire state but trust me; it will take you a while so you might as well pit stop while you’re there. Drop into Pensacola, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa area, Miami, Key West, and more!
10. Wyoming
If you drive to Wyoming for Yellowstone and Grand Teton, take some time to visit the Union Pass Monument, National Museum of Military Vehicles, Wild Horses, and more!
This is a good one, and another personal favorite! Visit the mountains, the lake, amusement parks, amazing shopping centers, state parks, great food, and more all throughout Georgia!
Drive across the country and visit Washington State this summer. You’ll see plenty of sites on the way, but once you are there enjoy views of Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, Mount St. Helens, the Cascade Loop, San Juan Islands, and more!
Hit the road to Nebraska! Visit Sandhills Journey, Loup Rivers Byway, Lewis & Clark Byway, Heritage Highway, and more!
15. Iowa
Take a drive through or to Iowa and see some of your new favorite views. Visit Iowa Great Lakes, The Amana Colonies, and more!
Worth Pondering…
Journeys, like artists, are born and not made. A thousand differing circumstances contribute to them, few of them willed or determined by the will—whatever we may think.
Before Mount St. Helens blew its top it was a beautifully symmetric rounded snow-capped mountain that stood between two jagged peaks, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams
The tranquility of the Mount St. Helens region was shattered in the spring of 1980 when the volcano stirred from its long repose, shook, and exploded back to life. The local people rediscovered that they had an active volcano in their midst and millions of people in North America were reminded that the active—and potentially dangerous—volcanoes of the U.S. are not restricted to Alaska and Hawaii.
The eruption of Mount St. Helens caused the largest landslide in recorded history, sweeping through the Toutle River Valley and removing 1,306 feet from the top of the volcano. The powerful lava flow, savage winds, and deadly heat destroyed much of the previous landscape. What the mountain left behind is the history of a violent eruption that shook the surrounding region and left many with stories of that tumultuous day on May 18, 1980.
Mount St. Helens, located in southwestern Washington, is one of several lofty volcanic peaks that dominate the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest; the range extends from Mount Garibaldi in British Columbia to Lassen Peak in northern California. Geologists call Mount St. Helens a composite volcano (or stratovolcano), a term for steep-sided, often symmetrical cones constructed of alternating layers of lava flows, ash, and other volcanic debris.
Most people visit the area around Mount St Helens by leaving Interstate 5 in Washington state at exit 49 and traveling East along a road called Spirit Lake Highway. The road is so-called, because, before 1980, it used to terminate at Spirit Lake. The lake is no longer accessible by road from the West, and even from the East, a substantial hike is required. So, I like to refer to Spirit Lake Highway as the Road to Mount St Helens.
Four visitor centers tell the story of the mountain and the people living in the region surrounding it. The awesome views from each of the centers bring you face to face with a monumental natural event. These centers are located along the 52-mile-long Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, the only scenic byway in the United States that penetrates a fresh volcanic blast zone.
Like a book with four chapters, each visitor center tells a different part of the story: the mountain as it was before the blast at Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center; first-hand accounts from survivors who experienced the explosion at Johnston Ridge Observatory; the recovery of the mountain and the region at the Forest Learning Center; and its present state at the Silver Lake Visitor Center. Each center offers a unique experience that brings visitors face-to-face with one of the most memorable natural phenomena of our era.
Located 5 miles from I-5, Silver Lake Visitor Center is a world-class facility located on the western shore of Silver Lake. With its high ceilings and massive windows, the outdoors becomes a part of the architecture. Your senses will come alive as you enjoy the interactive exhibits, a step-in model of the volcano, and theater programs. Outside, a mile-long trail takes you into marshy plains surrounding Silver Lake where you can see waterfowl and picture-perfect views of the mountain.
Located 27 miles from I-5, Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center offers an up-close view of the mountain and the flood plain where mud rushed down into the valley, raising it a mile higher than it was prior to May 18, 1980. Take a short walk to another viewing point where a grove was dedicated in 2000 in memory of the 57 people who perished during the eruption.
A large post-and-beam structure, Hoffstadt Bluff houses the “Memories of a Lost Landscape” exhibit, which provides an excellent depiction of the mountain prior to the blast, when the area was full of youth camps and visitors enjoying the outdoors.
The Weyerhaeuser Forest Learning Center, at milepost 33, describes the work of foresters before, during, and after the eruption, with an emphasis on the rebirth of the forest.
Walkthrough the forest, hearing the sounds of the birds and animals on the mountain prior to May 18, 1980. Enter the “eruption chamber” to view a video of what the forest looked like immediately after the eruption. Breathtaking photographs and life-size models of loggers working in the blast zone bring the experience to life.
At the end of the scenic byway, 52 miles from I-5, Johnston Ridge Observatory is tucked into the side of Johnston’s Ridge, a mere 5 miles from the north side of the mountain. Providing visitors the opportunity to come within a stone’s throw of the crater, the observatory is unparalleled. Walkout on the viewing deck or take a stroll along one of the trails and feel the energy of the mountain as it continues to puff steam into the sky.
The 16,000 square-foot structure offers a fully-equipped theater where visitors can watch a video about the eruption. Just as the mountain surprised the world with its blast, the movie does likewise as the show concludes and the screen rises to deliver a picture-perfect view of the mountain.
View the many exhibits and read through personal survival stories from that fateful day in 1980. For more detailed information, catch a formal talk or join a guided walk led by one of the observatory’s volunteers.
Worth Pondering…
Looking back across the long cycles of change through which the land has been shaped into its present form, let us realize that these geographical revolutions are not events wholly of the dim past, but that they are still in progress.
